The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, secretes the hormones that preserve the balance between all other glands of the endocrine system, which includes all hormone-producing organs.

"Each hormone in the pituitary gland is secreted by a specific type of cells," explains Drouin, Director of the Molecular Genetics research unit at the IRCM. "Until now, we believed that these cells were randomly distributed throughout the pituitary gland."

By using three-dimensional imaging, the researchers discovered that the pituitary gland's secreting cells are rather organized into highly-structured networks. Inside these networks, each cell remains in contact with other cells of the same type, so as to form continuous sheets of cells. In fact, cells of the same lineage can recognize, exchange signals and even act in concert with one another.

"We were the first to reveal this three-dimensional organization," says Lionel Budry, graduate student in Drouin's laboratory. "In addition to discovering the cell's structure, we showed its importance for the development and function of the pituitary gland."

"We studied two networks of cells: cells that modulate our responses to stress, and cells that control reproduction," adds Drouin. "Disturbing these networks could be associated with hormone deficiencies."

This research project was conducted in collaboration with the team of experts in three-dimensional imaging at the Université de Montpellier directed by Doctor Patrice Mollard, which includes Chrystel Lafont.